Please post your question, quote, and fact here for chapter 3. Also, please respond to at least two of your peers' posts and answer my questions.
Questions:
1.) Define "family."
2.) Describe the existing variety of family structures and the characteristics of families across cultures.
3.) Discuss the role of families in the transmission of culture.
Question: I admire others such as Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Native Americmn, Asian, and European cultures for their expectations of their children to refrain from interrupting when adults are talking, demanding the children accept their decisions, authority not questioned by the youg, and take the religion and culture seriously with pride. Why don't U.S. parents do the same? We know the problems and issues that exist with these essentials lacking. Where is the difference in parents not getting these important beliefs across to the U.S. children?
ReplyDeleteQuote: Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. Jane Howard (1978) p.80
Fact: The concept of the family is perhaps the most basic one in social life (United Nations, 1994) p. 81
Define family: At a young age children become who they are by the influences of their family. A family is group that shares love, responsibility, support, morals, values, traditions, religion and a basic concept of social life and learning.
The existing variety of family structures and the characteristics of families across cultures are so vast it is not possible to have a universal picture of what a family is. Functioning as a unit and fulfilling the roles of a family identifies the difference in cultures and structure when one looks at the differences each culture perceives as a family.
The role of the family in the transmission of culture shows what each culture finds important. For some it may be education, others could be how to hunt, follow in footsteps of another member of the family, values and traditions, naming a child, religion, holidays, and on and on. The very existence of who we are and how we function in society comes from the culture we are raised in.
Quote:
ReplyDelete“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, who ever you are you need one.“ (Jane Howard) pp80
Question: If we are to follow the definition of family, are childless cohabitating couples still considered a family?
Fact: Even though families and their roles have changed, they have always been diverse.
1. Family: A basic unit of society in traditional and non traditional configuration responsible for the welfare and raising of the children .
2. Describe the existing variety of family structures and discuss the characteristics of families across culture:
2 parent married - Mother, Father
2 parent unmarried -Mother, Father
1 parent mom or dad with significant other
non gender specific
1 parent
Grandparent
Extended family - sibling, aunt, uncle,
cousin, niece, nephew, friend
Foster
Adopted
Regardless of what culture we are from most hold true to these characteristics. Common values, adaptability, spirituality, shared goals, sense of joy, family and social support, family pride, and good communication.
3. Explore the role of family in the transmission of culture.
Society needs families to prepare children to become constructive members of society. This is accomplished through the transference of expectations, social responsibilities, and behaviors to the future generations of adults. Activities expected of all families. The key functions are basic needs, socialization tasks, emotional support and spirituality, economic tasks, educational tasks, and crisis management tasks.
Question: Our country’s baby boomer population is aging which is creating a greater strain on our social system. More grandparents are raising their grandchildren. What happens when the grandparents are too elderly to continue to take care of the grandchildren or themselves? What impact will this have on our society and our systems?
ReplyDeleteQuote: “Awareness of different religions and spiritual values is essential for early educators to know how to be responsive and respectful to the families of young children they serve.” (p.106)
Fact: “In 2005, close to 21 percent of children under age 6 living in the United States were from immigrant families (Matthews & Ewen, 2006; Matthews & Jang, 2007) (p.103)
1.)Our text defines family as a group of people who share responsibility, love, and intimacy. These people care for the children in the group and provide the first social influences for those children as they grow and mature. Family can mean different things and structures in different cultures and has changed over time.
2.)Family structures and characteristics in America have changed over the last 50 years or so to reflect a change in social and economic changes as well as increases in some immigrant groups. In the 1950’s and 60’s more women went to work outside the home. There has also been an increase in divorce and along with that an increase in the blended family. With a rise in teen pregnancy, more grandparents began raising their grandchildren. During recent times of economic recession, multiple generations of families are combining into one household to conserve resources. The adoption of children by gay and lesbian couples has become more commonplace within the last 10 years. While there have been changes in some family structures, many family characteristics remain constant across cultures. Some of these include a common goal of nurturing and caring for each other, pulling together in times of crisis, celebrating holidays and milestones, and a desire to build a successful future for each of its members.
3.)Because family life provides the first experiences and interactions for children, these influences become the basis for how one acts and reacts in the world. Caregivers within the family act as models for cultural activities and patterns. By the time children are ready to attend school, whether they are aware of it or not, they have been fully immersed in the cultural traditions of the family in which they are being raised.
Cllibby, You ask the question about childless couples. Some couples are childless by choice (my brother and his wife) and some are not blessed with children. I would have to say that they are still a family. They operate as a family unit. They celebrate holidays, come together in times of need, continue cultural traditions, and they even pass along social and cultural traditions to children. Those children just don't happen to be their own. Happily, they are my children.
ReplyDeleteTheresa, You bring up an interesting question regarding teaching children respect. I'm not sure all of the cultures you name have the strict adherence to respecting elders. I have seen children from China, Afghanistan, Korea, Mexico, and many more that have been indulged by their parents. As a result they were less than respectful of their teachers when they came to school. Some cultures have the belief that it is the teacher's job to teach the child and the parent's job to show affection. As a teacher's assistant in ESL, I actually had a Sudanese parent tell me that her son would behave better at school if we would beat him. She said the teachers in their country do that. Of course, we did not follow her advice.
ReplyDeleteQUESTION: I remember being in 2nd grade and my classroom teacher asking us to draw what our house looks like and the people that live in it. Then I really liked this activity because I got to draw my dog and bird and my family memebers which included a step father, mom, and me. I would like to my own students do do this activity and hang them up around the classroom, could this be confrontational?
ReplyDeleteQUOTE: "Family diversity seems to be a common denominator in today's society. No longer it is possible to identify a universal portrait of what a family looks like." pp 95
FACT: Two parent unmarried families made up 6% of the families that were surveyed.
1) Family- A basic unit of society in traditional and nontraditional configurations responsible for the welfare and the raising of children.
2) The variation in families today include grandparents raising children, gay or lesbian families, extended family, single parents, and two unmarried parents. In Hispanic and Italian cultures, having extended family or grandparents living in one house is part of their family structure. According to Olsen and Fuller, characterists of a functional family include: common values, spirtuality, family and social support, family pride, good communitcation, sense of joy, shared goals, and adaptability.
3) *Provide basic resources
*Provide nurturance and support to their members
*Serve as role models for their younger members
*Transmit the values and beliefs of their cultural group.
Cllibby:
ReplyDeleteI really liked your question. I was actually thinking about that question while I was reading this chapter but you had already posted it as your question. I do live with my family which includes my boyfriend and our cat. On page 106, figure 3-5 gives the characterists of a functional family which applies to us.
Lora's response to Theresa:
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Just because a child is Asian does not mean he/she is going to be respectful to their elder. After living with my mom for 17 years I never gave up my bed for an elder that would stay they night, they would get the couch. I moved in with my Aunt and Uncle and when my Great-Aunt came to stay the night I slept on the couch because I was the child in that situation. I believe it's who raises you that you respect your elders, not just because of your race. Even though the Asian culture does highly respect their elders, a few families might not believe in that value.
Question: How do you deal with a student who refuses to follow school rules and also has non responsive parents when the issue is raised with them?
ReplyDeleteQuote: "It is important for early childhood educators to avoid stereotyping families because of their cultural orientation."
Fact: Successful families share common characteristics.
1. Just like culture, experts don't readily agree on a true definition of family. At its most basic form a family provides basic resources, nurture and support, acts as a model for behavior, and transfers cultural values and beliefs to its members.
2. There are many different forms that a family can take. The existing varieties of families include:
--two parent families (heterosexual, blood, blended and gay/lesbian)
--two parents unmarried
--single parent families (mostly headed by women)
--grandparents as head
--extended families
--foster families
--sibling headed
Functional and successful families across different cultures share common characteristics. These include:
--common goals
--spirituality
--family and social support
--family pride
--good communication
--sense of joy
--shared goals
--adaptability
3. Our families teach us our culture. Through observation and participation in day to day activities and interactions, families pass down ideas and accepted behaviors of the culture group. Culture begins with the family even before we are born, after we come into the world, and throughout our lives.
Question: How important do you think it is to know the student’s home life to help them succeed academically?
ReplyDeleteQuote: Because of today’s social changes and diverse perceptions regarding family roles, trying to find just one pattern to define and fit the family is impossible. (pg. 81)
Fact: Even though families and their roles have changed recently, they have always been diverse (Walsh, 2003). (pg. 81)
Questions:
1. Family: The reality is that families have evolved along with society. The traditional family unit has changed so much and assumed so many different formulas that even the United Nations prefers using the plural term, families, to more accurately describe the current nature of this social unit. A basic unit of society in traditional and nontraditional configurations responsible for the welfare and the raising of the child. (pg. 80)
2. Because of today’s social changes and diverse perceptions regarding family roles, trying to find just one pattern to define and fit the family is impossible. In discussing the family, Walsh (2003) reminds us of the ever-existing diversity of the family and how the landscape of today’s families reflects the changing and complex nature of contemporary society. (pg. 81) Culture establishes meanings shared and understood by those who respond to it. Because we all live and respond to patterns of our culture, interpretations of how to perform a specific function vary. Living in a multicultural environment like the United States means that we need to realize that what one person holds as an expectation might diverge from that of another. (pg. 87)
3. Society needs families essentially to prepare the young to become constructive members of society. This is accomplished through the transference of expectations, social responsibilities, and behaviors to the future generations of adults. According to educators and sociologists, families perform several key tasks, or functions. These functions are essential to meeting and supporting the needs of family members and to the family’s success as a group. Some of the key functions of the family include the following: (pg. 84-85)
a. Basic Needs
b. Socialization tasks
c. Emotional support and spirituality
d. Economic tasks
e. Educational tasks
f. Crisis management tasks
Question: Does the type of family a child have truly affect how they perform in school and life?
ReplyDeleteQuote: Although most generally acknowledge that the concept of the traditional family has changed, it is encouraging to confirm that the family as an institution continues to exist (81).
Fact: Even is that even though families and their roles have changed recently, they have always been diverse (81).
1). Family is a basic unit of society in traditional and nontraditional configurations the child.
2). The various family configurations of the children in most early childhood classrooms include single-parent families, blended families, extended families, foster families, responsible for the welfare and the raising of and two-parent families. No longer is there a single model of the family. The most basic social unit has been the victim of change, much like the other spheres of society, and today’s families are structured in both traditional and nontraditional forms (99). For some cultures, family consists exclusively of the parents and their offspring. For others, a family includes not only parents and children but also blood relatives and even some very special friends not related by blood or by law. While the original concepts of family membership are lost in time, each of us has inherited ideas about family membership from our own experiences as family members (98).
3). (84-85) All families share basic social responsibilities even though cultures define the ways those functions are performed. Social researchers have defined these functions as being both basic and complex tasks; they are expected in all families but performed depending on culture. Roles are another common denominator of families. Family roles describe the different behavior patterns that families exhibit as they carry out their different family functions. Families play four roles:
1. Provide basic resources; shelter, food, clothing, health care, and financial support.
2. Provide nurturance and support to their members; establishing a warm and reassuring emotional environment in which family members find themselves being supported during crises and whenever needed.
3. Serve as role models for their younger members; offering positive social models through which children learn the ways of their groups, modeling basic interactional skills, and teaching children their roles and responsibilities in a social group.
4. Transmit the values and beliefs of their cultural group; serving as vehicles for cultural and spiritual teaching and learning.
Culture establishes meaning shared and understood by those who respond to it. Because we all live and respond to the patterns of our culture, interpretations of how to perform a specific function vary (87).
Trista Gambill said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How important do you think it is to know the student’s home life to help them succeed academically?
I like this quesion! I think the home life of a child effects of the child will succeed academically. If they do not have a good home life they could be under stress and etc that will hinder they success at school. They may not be getting enough to eat or sleep and etc.
Christina Whitfield said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How do you deal with a student who refuses to follow school rules and also has non responsive parents when the issue is raised with them?
I think if you have tried to handle the student and the parents and are not making any progress with either then talk with the principal to way yoru options, maybe taking more extreme measures will help.
Chandra and Trista,
ReplyDeleteI liked your discussion on how important home life is in helping children academically. I think it needs to be said that not only getting to know a child's home life is important but it is vital to take the time to get to know the child as well. I believe the relationships you form with the child and their families will not only set the tone in your classroom but will predict your failure or success.
Carol,
ReplyDeleteI feel like you brought up a good point about childless couples being considered a family or not. I have to say this struck a nerve with me when I was reading because I don't feel you have to have children in order to be considered a family. Some people would love to have children and can't so how unfair would it be to classify them as not a family unit. In my definition of family I used the terminology as a group of people living together that function as a household due to this reason.
Question: As Teachers do we really need to focus on the definition of family? I am not saying that family isn't important to a student's success, but the definition of family is so different for everyone. Don't you think in the next several years teachers will be using a different word to describe family?
ReplyDeleteQuote: "Culture, a dynamic force, continues to be an influential factor that also contributes to the changing nature of the family." pg. 94
Fact: "An estimated 31 percent of all children are born into single-parent families." pg 100
1.) A group of individuals that join together to raise a child or support one another. However, as the book states family is ever changing and difficult to defien these days. To me family is what the individual decides to join in a collective goal.
2.) Traditional/Nontraditional families
Two-parent married families
Two-parent unmarried families
Single-parent families
Families headed up by grandparents pg. 96
Extended Families
Gay/Lesbian Families
Adopted Families
Step-Families
These groups work together in a common goal. They figure out ways to make it through tough times, such as loss of a job, depression, and women going to work.
3.) Family is a unit that passes down bliefs, values, and goals. Family is where most of us get our culture from and pass our culture onto children.
Ashley Sluder,
ReplyDeleteQUESTION: I remember being in 2nd grade and my classroom teacher asking us to draw what our house looks like and the people that live in it. Then I really liked this activity because I got to draw my dog and bird and my family memebers which included a step father, mom, and me. I would like to my own students do do this activity and hang them up around the classroom, could this be confrontational?
I love this activity!! I personally don't think that there is nothing wrong with this activity. Most children love to draw or write about their families. I am not sure that I would wait until 2nd Grade to do this activity. This seems like an activity that Kindergarteners would love to do, but then again what student would love to do this.
Chandra B.,
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Does the type of family a child have truly affect how they perform in school and life?
Definitely. When I taught I had preschoolers talk about what their parents did the night before or over the weekend. Some students would get upset, depending on what it was, this student would have a hard time focusing and participating in class. Think about it do you focus on your personal life sometimes in class? I know that there are times that I have paid more attention to my problems than what's going on in class.
QUESTION: I remember being in 2nd grade and my classroom teacher asking us to draw what our house looks like and the people that live in it. Then I really liked this activity because I got to draw my dog and bird and my family memebers which included a step father, mom, and me. I would like to my own students do do this activity and hang them up around the classroom, could this be confrontational?
ReplyDeleteThats a good question, after I read it I had to think about it and still dont have a good answer. I personally think its a great activity. It could be used to show the students differences, of course, but I think if it were done to really highlight how much different people have in common it would be great. But you would have to be careful and watch what the children are drawing, if you are asking them to draw what they see at home you may get some shocking pictures.
Question:With all the diversity in our country, and the large number of broken homes that leave children looking for someone to call family. How come that still in this country so many people think that a "proper " family must consist of a mother and father? Gay and Lesbian couples face a lot of resistance against them adopting or having children. Nobodies family is perfect, everyone has the crazy aunt, deadbeat dad , racist cousin or whatever in their family, and they all have kids! Family is family someone who loves you for you no matter what, For good or bad!
ReplyDeleteQuote:"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one." Jane Howard 1978
Fact: "Today, social and family researchers agree that family membership holds a wide spectrum of possibilities.
Questions:
1. Families is defined in the book in many ways, I would define it as a group of dysfunctional people that love and support each other. They Help influence who you are and help to shape your morals, values, and self worth through out your life.
2.I don't know if its possible to describe the number family structures today. In a culture so diverse and with so many variants, as soon as you may think you have identified them all there will be just as many that forgot or don't know of. The Family configurations today have changed radically in the last 50 years, and I believe they will continue to change, adding even more diversity to our society.
3. Families play a huge role in passing traditions and culture to their children, from traditions to values and morals to work habit and family roles. Many people exhibit the same roles that they were raised with even if they don't see it in themselves other family members usually do.
Question:With all the diversity in our country, and the large number of broken homes that leave children looking for someone to call family. How come that still in this country so many people think that a "proper " family must consist of a mother and father? Gay and Lesbian couples face a lot of resistance against them adopting or having children. Nobodies family is perfect, everyone has the crazy aunt, deadbeat dad , racist cousin or whatever in their family, and they all have kids! Family is family someone who loves you for you no matter what, For good or bad!
ReplyDeleteQuote:"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one." Jane Howard 1978
Fact: "Today, social and family researchers agree that family membership holds a wide spectrum of possibilities.
Questions:
1. Families is defined in the book in many ways, I would define it as a group of dysfunctional people that love and support each other. They Help influence who you are and help to shape your morals, values, and self worth through out your life.
2.I don't know if its possible to describe the number family structures today. In a culture so diverse and with so many variants, as soon as you may think you have identified them all there will be just as many that forgot or don't know of. The Family configurations today have changed radically in the last 50 years, and I believe they will continue to change, adding even more diversity to our society.
3. Families play a huge role in passing traditions and culture to their children, from traditions to values and morals to work habit and family roles. Many people exhibit the same roles that they were raised with even if they don't see it in themselves other family members usually do.
Question: Does a homeless family maintain a family structure while overcoming the challenges of being homeless? My family helps feed the homeless men the last Thursday of each month and I see the some of the challenges these men face. I could not imagine having a family and living homeless, trying to survive.
ReplyDeleteQuote: “our image of what a family is and what it should be is a powerful combination of personal experience, family forms we encounter or observe, and attitudes we hold” (Gilbert) pg. 81
Fact: Researchers have identified spirituality as an integral element that is instrumental in keeping the family together and which contributes to overcoming adversity.
1.) Family is a basic unit of society in traditional and nontraditional configurations responsible for the welfare and the raising of the child.
2.) Since the 1960s, the traditional family was altered with immigrants entering the United States and bringing new traditions and customs with them. The traditional family is a two-parent family or the blended family (stepfamily or multiple-marriage heterosexual couple). You remember the TV show, Leave It to Beaver, where mom stayed home, cooked every meal, did laundry, and never worked outside of the home. But times have changed and so has the family unit. There is no such thing as a single model family any more. In fact the numbers of non-traditional families have risen in recent years. These families include Single parent family, Grandparent family, Foster family, Sibling-headed family, and Gay or lesbian family. The characteristics of families across cultures are common values, spirituality, family and social support, family pride, good communication, sense of joy, shared goals, and adaptability.
3.) The role of families in the transmission of culture is important because we all live and react to our culture. Living in a multicultural country like we do means that we need to be aware that not every person shares the same cultural views. Culture begins before the birth of a child with the values and beliefs being taught to the child as they grow by their family and the environment they live in.
Theresa,
ReplyDeleteI really liked the quote you used. I think that it really taps into the basic desire of all humans; to feel needed. All of us want to feel like we are wanted, needed and loved. Who do we turn to when things are not going good in our lives? Our families. Who do we celebrate special occasions with? Our families. There are so many things we get from being part of a family that we couldn't get from anywhere else. I believe that we do indeed need a family.
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI don't think that as teachers we need to focus on a definition of family. The "experts" can't even come up with a definition for it. I do however feel that it is something that should be discussed in the classroom. I think that it could help you better understand your students.
Also, I think that the word "family" will always be around, but the characteristics given to the word "family" might change.
Carol,
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your question about childless couples being considered a family or not I had to comment. My son and daughter-in-law have been married for 3 years and have tried to have a child and are still unable to conceive a child. They hope someday to be blessed with a child and I pray that they do. But when I look at them today, I see a family unit.
Cheryl,
I feel that the type of family a child has truly affects how they perform in school and life. Everyone wants to be loved and if you have a child, you wants what is best for that child.To raise a child you use some of the same beliefs and values that you were taught as a child.
C. Libby,
ReplyDeleteGood question here! Look at the non-traditional part of the definition. There are many types of families (not just the traditional one) today! You will have a lot of students with non-traditional families. Some may have to live with grandparents or aunts or uncles, and some may have two mommies or two daddies. Some may be homeless. I have had homeless students before, and that no. is on the rise. Last Sun. (or the Sun. before), there was an article in the St. Joseph Newspress about how the homeless student no. is on the rise.
Keep up the good work!
Theresa,
ReplyDeleteNow, we have character education in schools, and that was created to address the concept that lies at the heart of your question here.
One problem, however, is that now the majority --of the head of the household--is usually a single female who is working (at times two jobs). If there is not a lot of parental time there spent with children, they are not going to have the same opportunities, values, and experiences then. Thus, that is another level of diversity--the latch key kids.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteThat is a good point to ponder! A lot of the Baby Boomers have prolonged their retirement too. What happens when all of them are retired? They make up a large percentage of the population now.
There are many options for those children if they die. They could be shuffled to another relative, or they could end up in foster care.
Ashley S.,
ReplyDeleteGood point about Asians and culture! Also, there are a lot of variations in each culture.
Students try not to generalize if you can!
Christina,
ReplyDeleteThere is a good article in Rethinking Schools, and part of the title is Confronting Student Resistance. I would read that article. That has a lot of good information for a case like this one!
Eric,
ReplyDeleteNice points here about the heterosexism gay and lesbian families still face today! You may be interested in the documentary It's Elementary. It covers how to talk about these issues with kids.
Keep up the good work!
My brothers are quite abusive and dysfunctional. After my parents passed when I was in my early 20s, you could say that I was an "orphan" in a way, but I would not because I learned that friends could be my "family." I had some good friends then who really helped me too, and I had enemies who treated me better than my "blood family"/brothers did.
ReplyDeleteFood for thought here!
Cathy,
ReplyDeleteGood question here! At times, they stay together and work through their issues, and at times, they do not. I had a homeless student in AL with four children. She kept her familty together, but here in St. Joseph, there is the Noyes Home for homeless children. Some of those families are not able to stay together.
Keep up the good work!
Trista,
ReplyDeleteI think the more you know about the student the more you can help that student. In the last chapter posts, there was a discussion about Freedom Writers. How well did that teacher in the movie do when she did not know the students at all? What changed? Then, once she knew them, what was the class environment like? What about the assignments then? Were the assignments more student-centered in the end? Why or why not?
Keep up the good work here!
Chandra B.,
ReplyDeleteI liked the 2nd point you stated under #3. “Provide nurturance and support to their members; establishing a warm and reassuring emotional environment in which family members find themselves being supported during crises and whenever needed.” I have recently come to realize the importance of family and the realization based upon what you stated that I do not have that with my “blood family.” I always thought I had a good childhood and that my family—immediate and extended—were close. We spent all the kids’ birthdays together and holidays. Unfortunately, my extended and immediate family has suffered a severe crisis. This has resulted in damaged relationships to the point of no communication. I have realized that I only have my mother that I can truly call my (extended) “family” based on the elements you describe. My extended family does not possess these traits therefore can I call them my family? I now have several friends that I have come to know over the past couple of years that have truly been there for me during a tumultuous time in my life. They definitely possess these qualities—I consider them my “family” (and of course my wonderful and beautiful children). I think this is important to address to students in the classroom—the qualities of a family (regardless of how the members make up the family unit).
Christina (and Cheryl),
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that the word “family” will never be deleted from our vocabulary. We are born innately to desire a family and to “belong.” How can the characteristics of a “family” change? By that I mean, how can the function of a family or the qualities that families should strive to possess change? For example, if family means to support, nurture, love, respect, and encourage, how can those qualities change and still call it a family? I think then, the term would be ??? Enemy unit? There is so much behind the word family.
Quote: " It is important for early childhood educators to avoid sterotyping families because of their cultural orientation."
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How important is the student's family life/ homelife to be able to succeed in the classroom?
Fact: 31% of children are born into single-parent families.
1. A small group of people sharing love, intamacy, and responsibility for children. Families are still the basic channel for learning about human nature.
2.
Two-Parent
Blended Family
Single-Parent
Grandparents
Foster Family
Sibling-headed
Gay or Lesbian Family
No matter what type of family it is, they all share a common way of life. They all have common values, goals, there is a sense of joy through out the family, family pride, family and social support, spirituality, and good communication.
3. Our family is our 1st hand experience of discovering culuture. It's when we learn about our own culture and pass down certian beliefs, values, and goals. It's through our family we learn these things!
Quote:(referring to families) No longer are these solely defined by blood or legal relationships (Lynch and Hanson, 2004).
ReplyDeleteFact: In 2004, Same sex house holds accounted for one percent of of families listed in the US Census.
Question:I made the reference In my questions about the media depicting the family unit. I was just curiouse when during the years did the acceptable family unit change so much? and what show "broke out" and made family variety more popular?
1.) Define "family."
The best definition I have heard for family comes from Garbarino & Abramovitz (1992). They say that families are " the headquarters for human development, the most basic and induring of social institutions." Later Garbarino & Arbamovitz more define the word family as "a small group of people sharing love, intimacy and responsibility; and (as) a social institution that serves and reflects the american macrosystem." In think we all personally define family a little different. I have come to learn as I have gotton older that the term family is not synonomous with last name or blood, but more compassion, loyalty and love.
2.) Describe the existing variety of family structures and the characteristics of families across cultures.
Families across the world are full of variety and are ever changing. If you want to see what America's "Ideal" Family looks like, then flip on the tv to one of a number of "family" sitcoms. If you pay attention you will notice that the typical family unit has changed since the time of the Cleavers. If you watch tv today the family unit goes from your more traditional families with two parents and a some children to your single parent families. Some families are so non traditional that you have cases where family units are shown with a single father, his brother in law and a friend raising his three daughters with his late wife (Full house). You have televison shows dealing with Familys with two mothers, or two fathers. The media shows the millions of varieties of family units that are typical to see with in the united states. In other countries it has come to be mostly the same. In many cultures It is still Ideal to have your "Cleaver" style nuclear family, but as I mentioned above it isnt uncommon at all to see different varieties of family units.
3.) Discuss the role of families in the transmission of culture.
Our families are the key role in what defines our individual cultures. Families are units of you closest peers and they influence and shape you through out life. They provide us with the most basic social interactions and teach us about all aspects of life.
Quote:(referring to families) No longer are these solely defined by blood or legal relationships (Lynch and Hanson, 2004).
ReplyDeleteFact: In 2004, Same sex house holds accounted for one percent of of families listed in the US Census.
Question:I made the reference In my questions about the media depicting the family unit. I was just curiouse when during the years did the acceptable family unit change so much? and what show "broke out" and made family variety more popular?
1.) Define "family."
ReplyDeleteThe best definition I have heard for family comes from Garbarino & Abramovitz (1992). They say that families are " the headquarters for human development, the most basic and induring of social institutions." Later Garbarino & Arbamovitz more define the word family as "a small group of people sharing love, intimacy and responsibility; and (as) a social institution that serves and reflects the american macrosystem." In think we all personally define family a little different. I have come to learn as I have gotton older that the term family is not synonomous with last name or blood, but more compassion, loyalty and love.
2.) Describe the existing variety of family structures and the characteristics of families across cultures.
Families across the world are full of variety and are ever changing. If you want to see what America's "Ideal" Family looks like, then flip on the tv to one of a number of "family" sitcoms. If you pay attention you will notice that the typical family unit has changed since the time of the Cleavers. If you watch tv today the family unit goes from your more traditional families with two parents and a some children to your single parent families. Some families are so non traditional that you have cases where family units are shown with a single father, his brother in law and a friend raising his three daughters with his late wife (Full house). You have televison shows dealing with Familys with two mothers, or two fathers. The media shows the millions of varieties of family units that are typical to see with in the united states. In other countries it has come to be mostly the same. In many cultures It is still Ideal to have your "Cleaver" style nuclear family, but as I mentioned above it isnt uncommon at all to see different varieties of family units.
3.) Discuss the role of families in the transmission of culture.
Our families are the key role in what defines our individual cultures. Families are units of you closest peers and they influence and shape you through out life. They provide us with the most basic social interactions and teach us about all aspects of life.
eric sharp
ReplyDeleteI like your quote. It goes hand in hand with mine ( and I believe was a few lines before it in the book) I am the same way that I dont believe that blood and law are the only aspects of family.
Cathy
ReplyDeleteThat is Funny that you used the show Leave it To beaver, I was thinking the exact same thing while reading the chapter as it is often the prime example of the nuclear family. However I found it interesting that as time went on the "ideal" Cleaver nuclear family was not seen as much through out television. I can remember watching programs like Full house and Sabrina where the nontraditional families are ideal. My wife is a (huge) fan of the show glee and As I watch it I almost notice how non nuclear family is becoming more of an average.
Question: Why does family have such a different meaning to so many people, even those with similar cultural beliefs and upbringing?
ReplyDeleteQuote: The family unit in the United States can no longer be described only in terms of the traditional model of the 1950's, in which a mother, father, and children were seen as a family unit.
Fact: same-sex households account for nearly 1 percent
1. those people who are an active element within the family unit
2. for some it is only parents and their offspring; for others it includes all blood relatives: for others it is the people who have strong ties to one-another. there are traditional families, single-parent families, foster families, some households contain 3, 4, or 5 generations, same-sex families
3. families model and teach the acceptable behaviors, roles, interpretations and exceptions of their cultures
Question:
ReplyDeleteI grew up with a family that was very involved in my school so when I think of getting parents involved helping their children learn in the classroom, it seems like a simple task. What I didn’t consider until recently, are the families which have parents who are not as involved or actually refuse to involve themselves. Many teachers assign their students to get a parents signature for points. What do you do if a child comes back and says his mom/dad refused to sign the form, don’t want any part in the classroom, and school should stay in school?
Quote: “The collective spiritual, emotional, and physical frame of reference becomes a resource the child can draw upon to successfully solve problems and overcome challenges of the present and the future.” (p.103)
Fact: In Nigeria, some women sing after learning that the child is born, whereas in Afghanistan, a newborn’s father whispers prayers into each of the baby’s ears.
1.)Throughout the reading, the best way, in my opinion, the word family was defined by Garbarino and Abramovitz (1992), families, “the headquarters for human development, are the most basic and enduring of social institutions.” “a small group of people sharing love, intimacy, and responsibility for children; and, as a social institution that serves and reflects the American macrosystem.” Everyone views family in a different light. I was raised to feel and believe anyone can be family, not simply blood relatives. Family is based on love, caring, protecting, and compassion.
2.)There are 7 main types of family structures; Two-Parent, Blended, Single-Parent, Grandparents, Foster, Sibling-headed, Gay or Lesbian. Although these types of families have different titles, they all are similar in many ways. Each variety loves unconditionally, shares compassion, values, beliefs, traditions, and goals for each other.
3.)From the day we are brought into this world, our families begin to immerse us in culture. Families are the basis of our cultures, no matter how different they are. We pass beliefs, customs, and traditions down amongst generations. With America being the multicultural country it is, many of these things passed down have the opportunity to seep into other cultures.
Question: I grew up with a family that was very involved in my school so when I think of getting parents involved helping their children learn in the classroom, it seems like a simple task. What I didn’t consider until recently, are the families which have parents who are not as involved or actually refuse to involve themselves. Many teachers assign their students to get a parents signature for points. What do you do if a child comes back and says his mom/dad refused to sign the form, don’t want any part in the classroom, and school should stay in school?
ReplyDeleteQuote: “The collective spiritual, emotional, and physical frame of reference becomes a resource the child can draw upon to successfully solve problems and overcome challenges of the present and the future.” (p.103)
Fact: In Nigeria, some women sing after learning that the child is born, whereas in Afghanistan, a newborn’s father whispers prayers into each of the baby’s ears.
1.) Throughout the reading, the best way, in my opinion, the word family was defined by Garbarino and Abramovitz (1992), families, “the headquarters for human development, are the most basic and enduring of social institutions.” “a small group of people sharing love, intimacy, and responsibility for children; and, as a social institution that serves and reflects the American macrosystem.” Everyone views family in a different light. I was raised to feel and believe anyone can be family, not simply blood relatives. Family is based on love, caring, protecting, and compassion.
2.) There are 7 main types of family structures; Two-Parent, Blended, Single-Parent, Grandparents, Foster, Sibling-headed, Gay or Lesbian. Although these types of families have different titles, they all are similar in many ways. Each variety loves unconditionally, shares compassion, values, beliefs, traditions, and goals for each other.
3.) From the day we are brought into this world, our families begin to immerse us in culture. Families are the basis of our cultures, no matter how different they are. We pass beliefs, customs, and traditions down amongst generations. With America being the multicultural country it is, many of these things passed down have the opportunity to seep into other cultures.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI too am going by my experiences from substitute teaching for 4 years and going to all elementary schools and grades here. I find the hispanic children all to be respectful. However, I am going by the fact that they are new to the U.S. and have not been desensitized yet or indulged with the U.S. ways. Many of those families adhere to their roots and maintain the requirement of respect. As with the beating of her son, my point is if they came here with strict beliefs for respect it would be maintained whether he was beaten or not. Or rather he would not have to be beaten by a teacher anywhere if his parents required that of him. Which brings another subject up, spankings at school, you know that went on for many many years and I have never heard of abuse from it; interesting how it has all turned to abuse.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI wasn't meaning strictly because of race, see comment above. I mean cultures that are coming here and are first generation to the U.S. perhaps 2nd. And if they came here with those beliefs which I think is a greater possiblity than those who originated from the U.S>
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI think it will always be referred to as family. Regardless of who it consists of, it is those surrounding the child who care for them, and hopefully love them. And in response to others as well I definitely believe the family and way the child grows up and what they have to contend with at home sets the tone and foundation of their behavior at school. The knowledge of the home life sheds a lot of light on behaviors. I want to be a teacher because I feel even if it is only one child in the class that I can reach and bring hope to them regardless of their home life it can make a life changing difference.
Question: How do we help children in our classrooms understand their classmates cultures? Besides reading books of different cultures. How do we get classmates to understand that every family has different ways of doing things?
ReplyDeleteQuote: "the concept of the family is perhaps the most basic one in social life"
Fact: Zuniga (2004) points out that rather than pushing the child to develop early skills and independence, Hispanics "placate" their children.
1. From our reading the best definition for family is Bronfenbrenner's theory that, "family is the main source of influence within the microsytem that describes the networth of firsthand social experiences individuals confront across cultures." Families support each other in all circumstances. One thing in life that is permanent is family.
2. In today's society there are many different variations of family structures these structures include: single-parent families, blended families, extended families, foster families, two-parent families, grandparents, and adopted families. No matter what variation one comes from he or she has a family that cares, supports, loves, and provides the basic needs one needs.
3. Culture from our families starts from the time we are born. We model our mothers, fathers, sisters,brothers, grandparents, etc. ways of doing things and beliefs.
Melissa asked... How do we help children in our classrooms understand their classmates cultures? Besides reading books of different cultures. How do we get classmates to understand that every family has different ways of doing things?
ReplyDeleteGood question. I think the best way is through example. If we respect all the different cultures (even show enthusiasm about learning them) maybe some of that will rub off. Whenever possible I'd make sure to point out how boring life would be if we all acted and did the same thing.
Ashley asked... What do you do if a child comes back and says his mom/dad refused to sign the form, don’t want any part in the classroom, and school should stay in school?
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I would do is verify. I'd want to make sure that it is, in fact, the parents who are at fault for things not getting signatures. If that is the case, I would still send the information to the parents (perhaps through e-mail and not burden the student) and simply drop the requirement for a signature. I might even go so far as using snail mail and keep a log every time I sent something to the parents.
Question: One of your students continually absent and/or tardy. You try and try to call the parents and never get a response. Eventually you find out that the student is homeless and living out of a car with his/her mother. What do you do?
ReplyDeleteQuote: “No longer is there a single model of the family. The most basic social unit has been the victim of change, much like the other spheres of society, and today’s families are structured in both traditional and nontraditional forms.” (pg 99)
Fact: 55% of women with infants were part of the workforce in 2004. (pg. 97)
1) My first instinct is to define family as a unit of people that live together and help each other throughout life. This could come in many diverse forms and it would be a mistake to think of “family” as only close blood relatives. I found it interesting that the text emphasizes that a family is “responsible for the welfare and the raising of the child.” This would imply that in order to be in a “family” one must have children and/or be the guardian of a child. I think it is broader than that and many groups of people consider themselves as family (even if there isn’t a child to raise).
ReplyDelete2) There are many existing structures of families. The more traditional form is made up of the married mother and father with children. More and more we are seeing an emergence of families that include single parents, two-parent unmarried, and families headed by grandparents or extended family members. There could also be sibling-headed families or families with gay or lesbian parents. At one time I was a single parent myself. Which wasn’t all the unusual except that I had full custody of my children as their father. I was happy to see that the text mentioned single parent families headed by fathers because it is a growing trend.
Although the way families work vary from culture to culture, and even from structure to structure, there are a few characteristics that all of them have. One is that they pull together to provide basic needs. They also provide socialization skills, emotional support, spirituality, education, and are always there in times of crisis. Another common trait across cultures is that each member of the family fills a specific role or roles.
3) Families transmit their culture to their children because they are the single greatest influence. It begins at the moment of birth with birth rituals and even choosing a name. The transmission of culture continues throughout childhood and even into adulthood.
Trista asked... How important do you think it is to know the student’s home life to help them succeed academically?
ReplyDeleteI feel that it is very important to know your students' home life because teachers' can make up for what students' aren't getting at home. For instance, for one of my classroom observations I sit in and observed a Kindergarten class at an urban school. One of the students was late to school and the teacher said to me, "he is always late his parents do not care; therefore, I have to hold high standards for my students because they do not get it at home."It is sad knowing that some students do not get everything they need at home but if we can make it better while they are at school in a safe environment than we are doing our job.
Ashley asked...What do you do if a child comes back and says his mom/dad refused to sign the form, don’t want any part in the classroom, and school should stay in school?
ReplyDeleteGreat question! You have me thinking on this question because there are many forms that teachers send home that are important. For example, a field trip form always has to be signed by the parent before a student is allowed to go. If it is not the student's fault then he or she shouldn't be penalized.
I do agree with Thomas that if this was an ongoing case I would not make a parents signature required.
Question: Are all your family members related by blood or marriage?
ReplyDeleteQuote: "We are who we are because of what we received and learned
from our families." (page 108)
Fact: Family is the social unit most responsible for creating the child as a
social, emotional, cultural, and psychological being. (page 113)
Dr. Hendrix Questions:
1. Family is love. It is a basic unit of society in traditional and nontraditional configurations responsible for the welfare and the raising of the child.
2. There are many variety of families structures out there. They share some cultural characteristics but differ in some other ways. There is the traditional family of a father, mother, and children then there is the nontraditional families. Such as single parents, two-parent unmarried, families headed by grandparents or other extended family members, gay and lesbians parents, etc. Some characteristics all families share are they provide basic needs, socialization skills, education. emotional support, always there in time of crisis, etc. They differ when it comes to the child-rearing concept that is closely related to the concept of the child, which does not have a shared meaning across cultural groups. For example families in the U.S. mainstream culture perceive children as individuals whose development of independence is strongly supported and valued. When it comes to Latino families young children are believed to be totally dependent on the adults.
3. The role of families in the transmission of culture play the biggest role in the child's life. Children our born into the culture of their family. They are taught the ways of their family. They take on what they are taught and observe from all family member in their lives.
Tara posted:
ReplyDeleteChapter 3
Question: I work for Head Start and I do 2 home visits a year. When completing a home visit in a child’s home when there is obviously several family members living there as a family unit how do I complete the visit? Do I discuss the child’s progress with everyone involved? I don’t want to break confidentiality so how do I know who I should discuss this information with. For example, I have had some grandparents that appear more involved than the parent(s) and sometimes they are the only ones who I have daily contact with.
Fact: Defining family is not an easy task, particularly in today’s society.
Quote: “In spite of the many changes the family has experienced, it continues to be a fundamental force in creating and perpetuating humankind.”
The definition of family is a group of people living together that functions as a household responsibly for one another. This group functions together as a unit that transmits their values and beliefs to one another.
Families today are found to be of traditional and nontraditional configurations. Some possible configurations are the two parent heterosexual couples, blended families, extended families; such as Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, single parent, grandparents, gay or lesbian, and foster families. Regardless of what kind of family configuration each unit has shared goals and values that define their family and play an important role in developing constructive members in society.
Family plays a vital role in the transmission of culture. Families are very influential in every aspect of culture. They influence likes, dislikes, beliefs, values, language, behavior, and mannerism.
Amberly,
ReplyDeleteLook at the Multicultural Education Pavillion on-line and their quizzes there. One of the questions discusses your question here. I think some of those answers might surprise you!
Keep up the good work!
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteGreat question!
At first, I Love Lucy started challenging what was portrayed on TV for home life because they showed the bedroom in the show. I think even then they had two beds though. LOL!
Then, we had the traditional shows like Leave It To Beaver with a "traditional" family. Moving forward through the 80s and 90s, you started seeing more non-traditional families. Remember Friends? Rachel and Ross were not married when they had Emma. Then, we start seeing more families with diversity in them. In Dharma and Greg, Dharma's parents were not married when they had her, and we start seeing more and more diversity with regard to ability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. It is better now, but you can still see that the media perpetuates a lot of stereotypes and usually has more white, able images than any other. You might be interested in the documentaries 100 Years of the Latino Image in Hollywood or Tough Guise. In both of these, there is a discussion about the lack of good, diverse images in the media and as role models for kids. The Latino documentary is free from Farmers Insurance. Check out the link on my MWSU website about their free materials.
Keep up the good work!
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteGood question!
Some parents and grandparents are distrustful of schools and teachers, and they were not treated fairly in school. Schools were not equitable for them, and they know it! Try to establish relationships with your parents when you can! Try to let them know that you are a caring teacher! If you have a parent like that, you can contact your counselor and try to work through some of those issues with the counselor and/or social worker, but do not be surprised if you cannot resolve their fear and hate of the school! There was a book out about anti-intellectualism, and you might be interested in that. Also, you might remember the part of the movie in Freedom Writers where the student tells the teacher she will not just trust her. Trust has to be earned! Those cases are hard!!!! Also, talk to other teachers. Some of them might have had this student, and you can discover what worked and what did not work for this student.
Keep up the good work!
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteDo getting to know me activities with each other. That's a great way for them to learn about each other and other cultures! In one of the book ad books, The Inner World of the Immigrant Child, the author discusses how she had the students make their own filmstrips and share those with the class. That helped her get to know the students better and each other too.
Keep up the good work!
Thomas,
ReplyDeleteGreat question here! I have had homeless students, and unfortunately, these numbers are on the rise! Contact the school counselor and/or the social worker if you have one about the issue. There are a lot of community resources out there, and you will learn about some of these in your poverty project too. Some schools have protocols and policies for homeless students. Use those and know those! Some school districts have grants to help homeless students too. If your district has these resources, help the family know about it. However, do not be dismayed if the family refuses to take any help and refuses to use the community resources. At times, they will refuse.
Keep up the good work here!
Tara,
ReplyDeleteGreat question! Check on who is listed as the legal guardian or who has custody. Then, speak to him or her or them. I am glad to see your concern here for the privacy!
Keep up the good work!
Great job class!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
Josh
ReplyDeleteI think the difernt deffinitions of family throught culutr is very interesting, one of my best friends is from India and his idea of family is very different from my definition, but after you spend time with his family they somehow and im not sure how just started accepting me as family. The more I was around them the more they wanted me be part of their family get togethers. I love his family as my own and they are the same with my family. Maybe the deffinition should be anyone or group that simply cares for and loves you or your family! the deffinition of family is very interesting question to ask
Cllibby,
ReplyDeleteGreat question. The book did not give a childless couple as an example of a family. They are a family. You do not need to have children to be considered a family. You don't have to married, dating, or related as far as I am concered. For example friends living together could become a family unit. They live together and come together just like a family does. Do things like eat together, have conversation, dish out daily chores, celebrate holidays and other special occasions, and so on.
Cherly,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comments on your quesiton. Everyone does have a different defintion of family. Cllibby brought up the fact that a childless couple wasn't brought as an example of a family. Traditional and nontraditonal should we even use those terms anymore?
Question:If there are children in class that act a certain way that is encouraged by there culture, like how some Hispanic children are encouraged to keep babyish behavior. How do we teach the children that that behavior is not always appropriate for school?
ReplyDeleteQuote:"Families are the heart of the process in which each person becomes who he or she is." (81)
Fact: "A Hispanic child is often encouraged to keep a babyish behavior well beyond infancy" (93)
1.) Define "family."
Families are the people that make us who we are. They have given us beliefs, thoughts, love, values, ideas and taught us right from wrong. All of these elements put together with people we have been around since we were born makes us who we are.
2.) Describe the existing variety of family structures and the characteristics of families across cultures.
The existing variety of family structures arte wo-parent married families, two-parent unmarried families, single-parent families, families that are headed by the grandparents and extended families. In America, some people only concentrate on there immediate family when asked who is in there family. Claiming the immediate family as the only family is not always the case. Like with some African Americans and Native Americans usually refer to family as more people than just who is in there immediate family.
3.) Discuss the role of families in the transmission of culture.
Families are essential in the transmission of culture. Everything that makes up culture like, values, ideas, beliefs, traditions and behaviors we learn from the people we are closest to and that we love. This comes at a very young age because kids watch everything we do.
Amberly,
ReplyDeleteQuote:" It is important for early childhood educators to avoid sterotyping families because of their cultural orientation." I really like this quote because it is very important not to stereotype anyone. I think when do we are not able to help and get to know them as we should.
Eric,
ReplyDeleteI like that you pointed out in your question that there are so many children in this country that need a good home. I think it is ridiculous that gay and lesbian couples have so much trouble adopting, well really any couple that is out of the norm for that matter. Children need love and there are couples out there willing to give it, it is wrong that they don't get the chance.
Question: Why do you think families in our society today are ever evolving?
ReplyDeleteQuote: “It is clear that family is important for individual and social survival.
Fact: Census data shows that more than half of “foreign-born” parents are Hispanic.
1.) Define “family” - Family has been defined as a small group of people sharing love, intimacy, and responsibility for children.
2.) Describe the existing variety of family structures and the characteristics of families across cultures - Intact family: 2 parent heterosexual couple, Blended family: Stepfamily, or multiple-marriage heterosexual couple, Single-parent family, Grandparent family, Foster family, Sibling-headed family, Gay or Lesbian family.
3.) Families play a huge role in ones culture. It is essentially the backbone into which someone learns their own culture. The immediate people one is surrounded by, and cared for, is the family. With this, one is able to learn the accepted ways of a particular cultures, the ways to dress, the ways to speak and use language, how to practice religion and much more. Without the role of family in one’s life, you would not be able to learn a culture and practice that culture on a daily basis.
-Ashley Payton
Megan- Your fact really surprised me because of how random and interesting it was. It is surprising to know that Hispanic children are encouraged to keep their babyish behavior beyond infancy. I guess you have to contribute that to the fact it’s part of their culture and because it’s become part of their culture it is accepted among their community, and not accepted among others.
ReplyDeleteTara- I liked your fact about how family can not be easily defined. In our society today family is such an ever evolving unit that it really is something that can not be defined easily. The existing varity of families in our society today make it even harder to come up with a clear consensus of what a “family” really is. But in my opinion, I think that is okay. I don’t think we have to have a clear consensus on what a family is, and what it should or should not be defined as.
-Ashley Payton
Amberly,
ReplyDeleteA students home life can make or break a students classroom time. Just imagine: a student who can't sleep, who doesn't get fed, who is NOT nurtured. That kiddo is going to love to be at school because it's their safe place, but they will not be able to reach their full potential due to lack of the necessities in life...food, sleep, love. Its sad but its my goal as a teacher to make my classroom as nurturing, as comfortable and just as fun as possible!
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI do not believe it is necessary that we focus on the definition of a family but moreso recognize that a family can be more than just a mother and a father, or different than a mother and a father. Its just key that we do our best to not assume that all kiddos have a mother and a father. We need to just be open to it all! We need to make sure that all students feel welcome regardless of what a "family" means to them!
Question: How much should “family” (my own or the children’s families) influence how I teach a diverse group of children?
ReplyDeleteQuote: “Accepting that today’s families are found in both traditional and non-traditional configurations enables you to objectively relate to and deal more effectively with families of the children in your classroom.” (pg. 105)
Fact: We are all a part of a family.
1. Although there is not one true definition of family, it can be considered a group of individuals in traditional and non-traditional configurations that love and support one another and collectively are responsible for creating the child as a social, emotional, cultural, and psychological being.
2. The variety of family structures include (but are not limited to): 2 parent families, 2 parent unmarried families, single parent families, families headed by grandparents, and extended families. Across cultures, the characteristics of a functional family include common values, spirituality, family and social support, family pride, good communication, sense of joy, shared goals, and adaptability.
3. Family in the transmission of culture plays a major role in the development and socialization of children. The family functions to provide basic resources, nurture and support their members, serve as role models for one another, and transmit the values and beliefs of their cultural group.
Trista asked... How important do you think it is to know the student’s home life to help them succeed academically?
ReplyDeleteI think it is very important to at least have a sense of what your students home life is like because it may help you understand why the child socializes, behaves, and functions in your class the way they do. For instance, giving a little extra attention/help to a child you know does not have much support at home can make all the difference in how well they do in your class as well as in their futures.
Theresa Anderson,
ReplyDeleteI love your quote! I totally agree that whatever it is you call it and whoever you are, you need a family. Nothing compares to the love and support of your family. My family is very close and I could not imagine where I would be now if I didn't have them in my life. We take the good with the bad but no matter what we have each others back.
Question: Is it important to foster different ideas of what a family is in a classroom setting? Is that our job as educators?
ReplyDeleteQuote: "Children are the 'vessels for the passing on of culture' (Konner, 1991, p.15), representing an opportunity to perpetuate the ideals and values of families."
Fact: It is important to respect a child's name no matter how hard or difficult it is to write or say the name. Make sure you ask for proper enunciation.
1) Family is a unit of people who are intertwined in each others lives and their main support. A family unit is responsible for forming the values and ideals of a young individual. Seven basic needs of family are Economic, Domestic\health, socialization, recreation, Self-definition, affection, and educational\vocational.
2) No matter the culture the structure and characteristics of families are indicative to living in America. We have numerous types of household and the Nuclear family is becoming changed through time. We are seeing families that are comprised of single mothers, those that are divorced and remarried, people adopting due to being single and or gay and lesbian... just to name a few. I thought it was interesting in the book that it suggest to ask kids about their family's and be aware of what their family structure is like... in the words of Schwarzenegger in Kindergarten Cop, "who is your daddy and what does he do?"
3) Families are the root of our culture. They shape who we are and influence what we do and don't do. As cultures and traditions change and evolve over time, our families, because we are so dependant at birth, will constantly influence our lives. Over the decades we can see a change in the family structure through economics, global conflicts, liberalization of alternative lifestyles and two same sex parents household. "The original concepts of family membership are lost in time," therefore we need to acclimate to change. Our society is constantly changing and teaching tolerance and pride would contribute to the betterment of our society.
Christina - I like your question about non responsive parents... what do you do? It is hard but I definitely think this is going to be a challenge in our feild. We are in no position to judge a parent so there are going to be times we have to accept the fact that they are not involved, but equally as caring as other parents who may put their face in front of ours. I think it would be our responsibility to help the kid regardless of their parental involvement. So for the 7 hours we have them, make the most of it and try to involve them in the class as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteRyan - I agree about flipping on the tv and we can see how times are changing and how the family unit has evolved. The version of family may change more over time, as history shows and if the pattern holds true it will, and we will have to teach children to acclimate over time to accept our changing society.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteRyan-
ReplyDeleteI also agree with what you said about flipping on the TV to see a reflection of the ever changing family. One show on televion right now that does this in a perfect light is "Modern Family." Each family is a different type of family but they are families all the same.
Cllibby said:
ReplyDeleteQuestion: If we are to follow the definition of family, are childless cohabitating couples still considered a family?
In my opinion, yes, childless cohabitating couples are still considered families. Simply because they do not have children, does not mean they don't have love, companionship, loyalty, family beliefs, values, and traditions.
Question: What is the best way for a teacher to deal with children that are exhibiting inappropriate behavior at school as a result of family culture learnings?
ReplyDeleteQuote: No matter the size, No matter the name. One thing in families is always the same… Love, Love, Love! Page 79
Fact: Spirituality has been identified as a key value that holds the family together, particularly during trying times: it is the “glue” that binds the family and a source of shared ideas. Page 105
1. Family is a small group of people who share love, intimacy and responsibility for children, and who transfer their expectations, social responsibilities and behaviors to future generations.
2. The different family structures are as follows: traditional/intact family of two parent heterosexual couple, traditional blended family of multiple marriage heterosexual couple, single parent family, grandparent family, foster family, sibling-headed family and gay or lesbian family. The number of traditional families is outnumbered by nontraditional families as a result of the high divorce rate, the pregnancy rate among teenage girls and the sexual orientation patterns. These statistices are also the reason single-parent families are the most common nontraditional family. Grandparent families are growing due to immigration, teenage mothers, loss of a parent and economic pressures.
3. Familes play a huge role in how culture is transferred. Children learn at a very young age by observing and listening to their parents and siblings how to behave and interact with others. Families develop and build a child’s character.
Megan,
ReplyDeleteRegarding your question, I think it is a challenge for a teacher to stop inappropriate behavior as a result of culture. This reminds me of the example in our text about the boy taking the girl's apple out of her hand to eat. The boy's response was his dad does it because he is a man, and men eat more, according to their culture. The teacher responded by saying that behavior is at your home and at school we ask for the apple, we don't just take it. I think the teacher handled this situation appropriately. She didn't disrespect his father or culture, but informed him that it is different at school.
Shelley H.,
ReplyDeleteI think our job as educators is to expose and inform our children that the definition of family means many things. I think this is a good diversity lesson that will assist children with the concept that it is acceptable not all family structures are the same. This may reduce hurt feelings and prejudice down the road.
Chandra said,
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Does the type of family a child have truly affect how they perform in school and life?
I think there are several factors that affect how students perform at school. I know if I was living in a chaotic home, I would not be able to function. I also think because I lived in a very organized home with little instability, I succeeded in the classroom as well as I did. I did not have perfect grades but I cannot even begin to imagine what they would have been like if my life was a mess. I also think this is an important factor to remember as future teachers as well!
TaJaree Brooks asked:
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How much should “family” (my own or the children’s families) influence how I teach a diverse group of children?
I think an important part of teaching is remembering the child's family and home life. The only other people that spend as much time with the child as the teacher does is the family. Communication between the teacher and the families are the most important.
Question: How does family play an important role in the classroom?
ReplyDeleteQuote: It takes a village to raise a child.
Fact: Family diversity seems to be a common denominator in today's society.
Family is a basic unit of society in traditional and nontraditional configurations responsible for the welfare and the reaising of the child.
Describe the existing variety of family structures and the characteristics of families across cultures.
In today's society family structures consist of single parent homes ( child being rasied by his/her mother or father only), bi-racial families, same sex parent families, grandparents raising grandchildren, and foster parents.
Some characteristics of families across cultures are common values, adaptability, spirituality, shared goals, family and social support, sense of joy, family pride, and good communication.
Discuss the vote of families in the transmission of culture.
Families play a very important role in the transmission of culture by transmitting values and beliefs. Family is were we learn about our traditions and about our past.
Fact: It is estimated that about 1 percent of the U.S. population may experience “a spell of homelessness at least once during a year” (p. 102).
ReplyDeleteQuestion: I would be curious to know what percentage of children who are brought up homeless actually go on to further their education and obtain a college degree.
Quote: “Spirituality has been identified as a key value that holds the family together, particularly during trying times it is the “glue” that binds the family and a source of shared ideas” (p. 105).
1.) Family—a basic unit of society in traditional and nontraditional configurations responsible for the welfare and the raising of the child.
2.) Families look much different today than they did a few decades ago. Families used to consist mainly of a father, mother and children (biological and/or adopted)—this is called an intact family. However, due to divorce, teenage pregnancies and sexual orientation we have families that fall under the “nontraditional” term. These families consist of grandparents, gay/lesbian couples, single-parent families, foster families and families headed up by siblings.
3.) Because we have a culture that makes us who we are, we pass these values, beliefs and traditions on to our children without even being aware of it. Children soak up all that they see and experience in their family unit. This in turn, affects what they believe and do. One’s culture continues to be passed on from generation to generation—each time adding slight variances to their own identity.
Question: In a situation where you as a teacher have a child who is homeless or has other at home issues, can you help that student?
ReplyDeleteQuote: "the headquarters for human development are the most basic and enduring of social institutions."
Fact: African Americans, Native Americans, and hispanics are 3 cultures that call more than just their immidiate family "family".
1. Family is a basic unit of society in traditional and nontraditional configurations responsible for the welfare and the raising of the child.
2. Family now is much different than it used to be. Family used to consist of a mother father and their children. Today families have children who are adopted or step children. Also households by single parents or gay couples.
3. Families across cultures share common goals, values, religion practices, support, role models, and etc.Culture passes from generation to generation of what they experienced growing up.
4.
1) The chapter begins with discussing what family is, family is the essential and most basic form of transmitting culture. This allows different families from different parts of the world to integrate at efficient speeds. Family configuration therefore is a crucial process of defining what a family is.
ReplyDeleteQuestion; How does family effect the manner in which individuals pick up secondary and tertiary language?
Thought: Maybe family units could be described as “micro cultural” units.
2) As essential as family is the provide specific tasks not unlike job functions to make individuals stronger and more able to cope with new challenges.
These include:
Basic needs
Socialization tasks
Emotional support and spirituality
Economic tasks
Educational tasks
Crisis management tasks
As different as some culture seem from the outside looking in, most cultures have a specific notion of what child rearing practices are. How a culture raises the future generation speaks to what type of cultural norms are emphasized and which ones are not. A relatively modern example of this could be shift from a nuclear based family which contained a mother, father, and siblings. Now it is more common to find a blended family consisting of different children from multiple relationships.
The functional characteristics that make up successful familys across cultural groups include:
Common Values
Spirituality
Family Support
Family Pride
Good Communication
Sense of joy
Shared goals
Adaptability
Families act not unlike a “conduit for transmission”, when cuture consists of a set of values, rules and socially acceptable behaviors they are going to be passed on to the next generation if they are important enough. Importance matters, stories,identity based values do not get passed down based on whimsical regards to what they mean.
Quotation: “whether it’s a boy or a girl, I want baby to be a good person” (Robles De Melendez, 2010)
In regards to something Marci had posted:
ReplyDeleteFact: Spirituality has been identified as a key value that holds the family together, particularly during trying times: it is the “glue” that binds the family and a source of shared ideas. Page 105
Is it the spirituality that makes the unit more cemented together or just fact there is unifying belief to subscribe to.
Jennifer said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: In a situation where you as a teacher have a child who is homeless or has other at home issues, can you help that student?
In that particular instance, understanding he's or she’s situation is job one. With that in mind, you should provide help as much as possible while maintaining a level in which you have not taken away any type of pride that is currently there.
Chapter 3: Families In Our Classrooms: Many ways Many voices
ReplyDeleteQuestion: In the five hours a week we are in direct contact with our students how does the basic social unit of the family impact our teaching?
Quote: “Daddy never asks. He takes.”
Fact: Married two-parent families, including blended families, constitute 44% of the public school student body. This number climbs to only 50% when unmarried two-parent families are included.
1. The term family today has come to mean a grouping of people having responsibility for raising children to adulthood. Inherent in this responsibility is the providing of adequate training to the family’s children for their individual and social survival. Family is therefore all about the kids. Missing from this definition are attributes such as “love” and “intimacy” cited in the text by Garbarino and Abramovitz. These are concepts which are part of the cross-cultural traditional concept of family. They are the normal expectations all societies appear to share of how families will fulfill their primary task. Parents will love and protect and teach children to live within their community. Love and intimacy are certainly traits of what has become the ‘extended family’ as presented by TV shows such as Friends. In fact all situation comedies from the traditional family of I love Lucy to the blended family of the Brady Bunch, to the mom-less family of Two and A Half Men are representations of the extended family concept. Extended families are groups of people who are generally not biologically related yet function as a family in providing support, advice, love and intimacy.
But as educators we cannot make any assumptions about the family support system of our students. A child’s success in individual and social survival in school is the only measure of a family’s quality which matters. Whether a child’s entire family consists of a single mother speaking no English recently arrived in the community, or the traditional TV paradigm of the Andersons, Cleavers and Huxtables, if the children under their care behave according to the society’s expectations it is a good family. It is not easy to learn the compositions of all of our students’ families. We must be detectives and ask the right questions the right way. This begins with asking the right way to pronounce a child’s full name, as well as nicknames they may go by. Nicknames are tricky socially and culturally. A female Vietnamese 8th grader may go by Emily because of, or against the wishes of her parents. A Latino middle school boy may go by something other than his birth name because he hates the way Gringos mangle it, or this is what the family calls him at home, or it is what his friends call him despite his parents’ wishes.
The impact of family in shaping us humans as individuals cannot be minimized. But what we are doing as educators is seeking student behavior which is in conformance to the American social ideal of public school. Being cognizant of the cultural and familial backgrounds of our students is about as far as we can go. We can use this awareness to help children and their families to conform to the social expectations of public school but we cannot alter those mandated expectations to fit the student.
Christina Whitfield said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How do you deal with a student who refuses to follow school rules and also has non responsive parents when the issue is raised with them?
Christina this is a problem which has plagued teachers forever. The only help I could offer is to gently get to know the student away from the pressures of 'performing' for peers. The source of acting out may be the non-responsiveness of the parents to the child. Breaking the rules may be the only notice they get. Find something, anything you can 'notice' in a positive way. Build on that and you could win over the child to participating in a positive way as well.
shelley h said...
ReplyDelete"Is it important to foster different ideas of what a family is in a classroom setting? Is that our job as educators?"
No it is not. Our job is to foster toleration and acceptance of what is for individual students without seeming judgemental or condescending.